Crestview celebrates first ‘Bark Park’ at groundbreaking ceremony

CRESTVIEW — Locals of Crestview gathered with their canine companions Monday at Twin Hills Park where the city’s first dog park will be located.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bark Park began with a quick word from Mayor David Cadle and then, from the woman behind it all, April Meier.

Meier said she got involved with the process a few years ago after she found out the city couldn’t pay for the dog park.

“I asked if we could raise funds for it, and we started getting funds coming in,” Meier said. “So, here we are today getting ready to break ground.”

Along with raising money, Meier also works with the Crestview’s Community Redevelopment Agency in designing the layout of the dog park, researching about other dog parks in Florida and other states, and finding companies that will donate work time.